Cholinergic signaling modulates intestinal pathophysiology in a Drosophila model of cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic genetic disease caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) chloride/bicarbonate channel, which is expressed in certain epithelial cells. Current therapies focus on restoring CFTR function, but many gut-related pathologies persist, highlighting the need for complementary treatments to improve the quality of life of people with CF. In this study, we use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to investigate the gut-specific effects of Cftr loss. We demonstrate that enterocyte specific knockdown of Cftr in flies recapitulates several CF pathologies, including reduced intestinal motility, nutrient malabsorption, and decreased energy stores. Using single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), we identify significant transcrip

SUBMITTER: Lane EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923121 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature